F-2 Visa Dependent Requirements

To qualify for an F-2 visa, a spouse or unmarried, minor (under age 21) child must establish to the satisfaction of the consular officer (during visa interview) and the immigration officer at the port of entry that:

He or she is the spouse (as evidenced by a valid marriage certificate) or child (as evidenced by a valid birth certificate) of the F-1 principal

He or she has sufficient funds to cover his/her expenses, or that other arrangements have been made to provide for such expenses once in the United States

He or she intends to leave the United States upon the termination of the status of the principal F-1 student

If the dependents are following to join the student, the F-1 student is, or will be within 30 days, enrolled in a full course of study or engaged in approved practical training following completion of studies.

An eligible dependent must also present a dependent Form I-20 issued by the CISSS. Each dependent must have a properly executed Form I-20 with a unique SEVIS ID number. Individuals in F-2 status may not accept employment or engage in business under any circumstance. An F-2 spouse may not engage in full-time study. The F-2 child may only engage in full-time study if the study is elementary or secondary school (kindergarten through twelfth grade). An F-2 child or spouse may engage in study that is avocational or recreational in nature only. Full-time study is only permitted under an F-1 visa.